Blind Squirrels, Nuts

Ted Lilly pitched a gem of a game. He stayed on the 3rd base side of the rubber and used his fastball. When he got behind batters it was with his off-speed stuff. It was a very good performance for a pitcher who was staring his career in the face. Ramon Hernandez had to baby him at times. Rick Peterson for a few moments was seen muttering and shaking his head when Lilly shook off Hernandez. Terry Francona and Ken Macha were debating pulling Lilly as early as the 5th inning.

Let’s not jump up and down here. The Angels had only won 3 0f 10 and 2 of their last 8. So, it’s not like the A’s were facing anything but a .500 team tonight. Then again, they had averaged 5 runs a game since the All Star break. Of course, they scored 19 of their 40 runs against Rangers pitching.

Lilly was literally pitching for his life, depending on which way the trade winds twitch – Lilly could be packing his bags to Sacramento or another team. Then again, if the A’s make Lilly a consistent pitcher, who would want him in a trade? Of course, if he has enough potential to pitch for the A’s in the first place he must be good.

It’s the inconsistency that wears you down.

Is anything with Ted Lilly even keeled?

We still don’t understand pinch hitting for Byrnes in the 8th. Why pinch hit for Byrnes with Chris Singleton and not for Terrence Long? If you’re going to insult Byrnes, do it with Adam Piatt pinch hitting for him. Byrnes did have two good at bats out of three and drove a fastball to deep center. He hit is off the end of the bat, but it was the first time in two weeks that Byrnes drove a ball with authority.

Why hasn’t a team thrown at Bret Boone after he does his lame bat flip?